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Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

In their role of caring for the elderly, caregivers must strike a tricky balance. On the one hand, they often enjoy unparalleled access to a client’s private information. On the other, if they are to be effective (not to mention ethical) in the job of caring for their client’s therapeutic needs, they must maintain clear professional boundaries with the client and family members. Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families
Needless to say, it’s not always immediately obvious what constitutes crossing the line in a professional helping relationship with a client and their family. Here are some questions caregivers can ask themselves in order to delineate appropriate personal boundaries in these more ambiguous situations:
Am I over-helping or under-helping in this situation? An example of “over-helping” would be taking on a role or duties that ordinarily would be reserved for a partner or family member, such as helping a client balance their checkbook, giving or receiving special gifts, or (maybe most blatantly) getting romantically involved.
Signs that you may be over-helping—what we in the addiction treatment world often refer to as “codependency”—include: visiting the client when you are off-duty, spending inordinate amounts of time with the client, using family nicknames with the client, a growing self-perception that you are the only person who can help the client, and confusing the needs and feelings of the client with your own. (The latter can happen if you begin to project your emotional needs onto the client, assuming that what you are feeling may be what they also need, or become so invested in their welfare that your own health suffers.)
“Under-helping” manifests itself as neglect of the client’s therapeutic needs. One example might be keeping a personal secret with the client that compromises their health and welfare.
Am I serving the client’s therapeutic needs and interests, or are my actions more about taking care of my own personal needs? Your No. 1 professional obligation as a caregiver is to ensure the client’s therapeutic needs are being met. One good litmus test for any situation is therefore to ask yourself whether you are in fact prioritizing this job duty—or, whether your own need to receive love or care for your emotional needs is actually motivating your actions.
Am I soliciting extraneous private information from a client and their family, or am I sharing extraneous private information about myself with a client and their family? What you choose to talk about can also border on inappropriate boundary-crossing. Invasive questions about a client’s private life, answers to which have nothing to do with the client’s medical care, are inappropriate—but “TMI” (Too Much Information) is a two-way street, meaning that what you share with a client and their family can also fall into this category of extraneous private information.
If, based on your answers to these questions, you believe that you may have crossed a boundary (or may be at risk of doing so), talking to your supervisor or a trusted colleague about the issue may be a wise precaution. They may also help advise you about whether reassignment to another client is necessary. In some cases, it may be appropriate to discuss your concerns with the client and/or family members, so that they can be made aware of the importance of personal boundaries.
By Anna Ciulla
Anna Ciulla is the Vice President of Clinical and Medical Services at Beach House Center for Recovery where she is responsible for designing, implementing and supervising the delivery of the latest evidence-based therapies for treating substance use disorders. Anna has a passion for helping clients with substance use and co-occurring disorders achieve successful long-term recovery.
Link Between Immobility and Substance Abuse

Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families

Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families Privacy Issues: Personal Boundaries Between Caregivers and Families

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How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Aging

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

As the world moves faster and faster, it becomes easier and easier to move from one place to another. In the modern world, it’s not uncommon for some people to switch addresses every couple years. But society’s casual attitude toward moving can come with negative effects, especially for the elderly. How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly
Over the past few decades, researchers have begun to study a newly understood phenomenon known as Relocation Stress Syndrome. Also known as “Transfer Trauma,” Relocation Stress Syndrome is triggered by a move from one environment to another. Onset of Relocation Stress Syndrome can carry a range of debilitating symptoms, affecting a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health.

“Those of us in the home care industry are familiar with the effects of Relocation Stress Syndrome,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels. “Having seen up close how this condition can impact a senior’s quality of life, one of our primary goals is helping our elderly clients age in place, in an environment where they feel comfortable and familiar.”

What Is Relocation Stress Syndrome?

Understanding Relocation Stress Syndrome starts with understanding its causes. This condition is caused by a change of home environment, whether that’s a move from one house to another, downsizing from a house to an apartment, or moving into a nursing or assisted living facility. When this happens, seniors can experience disorientation, confusion, and a feeling of alienation triggered by the switch from a comfortable environment to a new and unfamiliar one.

The risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome is more pronounced in the elderly than in other persons. This risk is especially high in individuals suffering from cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Sufferers of dementia often rely on familiar environments for comfort and emotional stability, so a change of environment is more likely to be traumatic for these individuals.

While many think of Relocation Stress Syndrome as benign or a purely emotional problem, this is not the case. Seniors suffering from this condition are at higher risk of health problems, including serious illness and injury. Studies have shown that those who exhibit the signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome are at a higher risk of mortality.

Signs of Relocation Stress Syndrome

Relocation Stress Syndrome can trigger a range of symptoms, including physical, mental, and emotional changes. The condition may be characterized by one or more of:

  • Sadness and depression
  • Anxiety, restlessness, and paranoia
  • Anger, aggressiveness, and outbursts
  • Confusion and disorientation
  • Isolation or withdrawal
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Weight changes
  • Signs of injury or falls

 

It is important to note that while these symptoms may be obvious, seniors will often try to hide the signs of relocation stress. It is therefore important that family members and care professionals stay alert after a move and check in with the senior to ask them how they are feeling.

Avoiding & Managing Relocation Stress

Often, the risk of relocation stress is best managed by making a senior’s current home environment more livable, helping them avoid the need for an unwanted move. This can be done by making safety improvements to the home, re-organizing or renovating to make daily activities easier, or by having family members or professional caregivers assist the senior. These steps are often enough to extend the years spent at home by seniors, delaying or entirely avoiding the need for a move.

In some cases, however, a senior may require facility care. In others, a senior may express the desire to leave their home. When a move is imminent, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of Relocation Stress Syndrome or to manage its symptoms.
These steps include:

  • Listen to any questions your loved one may have about their new living space, and do your utmost to accommodate their concerns.
  • If possible, give your loved one the chance to visit living options in person, and ensure they have a voice in where they live.
  • Plan the move carefully and start making preparations well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress or complications.
  • Use personal items to give your loved one’s new home a sense of familiarity.
  • Take steps to ensure your loved one can preserve their day-to-day routine as much as possible.
  • Have family and friends keep your loved one company to help them ease into their new space.
  • Monitor for signs of relocation stress and check in with your loved one about how they are feeling post-move.

 

Remember that the more support a senior has after a move, the more likely they will be able to cope with the stressors and triggers that come with a relocation.
If you are worried that an elderly loved one may need to move, professional in-home care can help them extend the years they spend at home. To receive a free care consultation, conducted in the comfort of your loved one’s home, contact your local Visiting Angels office today.

Sources:
http://longtermcare.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=21549
https://www.caring.com/articles/how-to-alleviate-the-stress-of-moving-for-older-adults
http://www.daybreakhometransitions.ca/index.php?page=relocation-stress-syndrome

https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/downsizing-for-full-time-rv-lifestyle/

 

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the ElderlyHow Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly How Relocation Stress Syndrome Impacts the Elderly

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Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever
Caregiving

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

In the age of email, instant messaging, and video phone calls, it can sometimes seem like the distance between two people no longer makes much of a difference. But when it comes to looking after our elderly family members, the miles between children and their parents matters more than ever. Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever
While most Americans live close to their parents, a big chunk of the population — roughly a third of American adults — lives 100+ miles from their mom and/or dad. For these Americans, caring for an elderly parent can be incredibly challenging.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a growing need in terms of long distance care,” saying Visiting Angels President and CEO Larry Meigs. “When kids move away from home for work or family — or when parents retire to a different part of the country — it becomes difficult to maintain the connection needed for quality care.”

Distance Tied to Demographics

When it comes to the miles between family members, demographics play a key role.
One key driver of the distance between adult children and their parents is income and education. These days, major employers conduct nationwide searches for talent, and top jobs often require a cross-country relocation. As a result, Americans with college degrees and high income positions are more likely to live far away from their parents.
The same is true when elderly adults are educated or well-off financially. Parents with high education and lifelong income levels are more likely to live far away from their children. In many cases, affluent seniors move to warmer states, like Florida or California, where they can enjoy a winterless retirement.
One other factor that shouldn’t be ignored is geography. It should come as no surprise that in sparsely populated areas, distance between family members tends to be greater. In particular, families from America’s west — states like Arizona, Nebraska, and Colorado — are more likely to live a long distance from each other, or to have a member of the family relocate out of state.

Distance Comes with Challenges

With so many Americans separated from their parents, it can be a challenge to maintain contact and healthy relationships. But the distance separating American seniors from their children doesn’t just affect relationships — it can also have dire consequences for the health and well-being of seniors.
That’s because seniors who live far away from their children are at much higher risk of senior isolation. This is especially true for seniors who have moved out of state for their retirement, since they are more likely to be isolated from friends.
Loneliness and isolation in seniors have been studied extensively. Researchers have found that loneliness and isolation put seniors at higher risk for physical, mental, and emotional health concerns. Those risks can be exacerbated when adult children don’t maintain regular contact with their parents, or when they fail to pick up on signs of isolation and loneliness.
So how can adult children limit those risks? The senior care professionals at Visiting Angels suggest:

  • Making sure you call your parents at least once a week to check in.
  • Asking thoughtful questions about their daily habits, social life, and well-being.
  • Paying attention to signs of behavioral changes, self-neglect, physical or mental decline, and self-isolation.
  • Visiting your parents at their residence when possible, and using these trips to look for signs of decline or isolation.

Managing Long Distance Care

Long distances can become especially challenging when seniors’ quality of life starts to decline. Whether triggered by physical, mental, or emotional changes, many seniors will reach a point where they need outside support or assistance. When this happens, it can be difficult to accommodate your parent’s needs if you live in a faraway city or state.
If your parent wishes to continue living independently, there are some options you can consider:

  • Contact your parent’s neighbors and friends to see if they are able to provide support and assistance for your mom or dad.
  • Reach out to local volunteer organizations and services — like Meals on Wheels or senior transportation services — that can help your loved one live more comfortably.
  • Get in touch with a caregiver agency in your parent’s area who offers long distance care services.

Should you choose to hire a professional caregiver, many agencies will be happy to coordinate care over long distances. At Visiting Angels, many of our local agencies offer long distance care services and are more than happy to set up care via phone or email. We can also provide you with regular phone updates into your loved one’s care and condition, giving you peace of mind that you might not otherwise have.
To learn more about long distance care available for your mom or dad, simply get in touch with the local Visiting Angels office in your parent’s area.

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever Why Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than EverWhy Long Distance Care Matters Now More Than Ever

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Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed?
Home Improvements

Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed?

by Silverado
written by Silverado

After discovering that your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you may have a series of questions about adjusting to day-to-day life. Are they safe? Does my loved one understand what’s going on? How do I communicate with them? All are valid and pressing questions that our knowledgeable team can address. When it comes to at-home safety, there are specific precautions and needed changes to make your environment safe. We’ve gathered some essential safety tips from Jamie Webb and Kim Wentink, our in-home care experts here at Silverado. Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed?
Register a Bracelet
The MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program is available for individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who may wander off, in which case the registered bracelet will have personalized information like emergency contacts and health history. You can register an individual online through the Alzheimer’s Association. “If a loved one wanders off, this bracelet lets whoever locates the individual know that they have cognitive impairment, and also is registered with the local law enforcement to ensure that they are returned home safely.” says Webb. This is a 24-hour emergency response service, and annual renewal is $35.
Install Motion Detectors
Some motion detectors today have video capabilities, and some even have responsive automated voices that can talk back. Wentink suggests installing devices around the house, which helps to have another set of eyes to watch your loved one from wherever you are.
Remove Rugs
Webb suggests removing all rugs from the household, as they are the number one cause of falls in the home.
Take No Solicitors
Consider posting a “No Solicitors” sign at the front door to avoid any unexpected visitors. Also, have other family members pick up the phone, because a person with Alzheimer’s disease can often be the victim of telephone exploitation. Keep the phone ringer volume kept on low and make everyone in the household aware that the phone should be answered in as few rings as possible. This will avoid possible distraction and confusion.
Set Up Locks
Keep hazardous materials locked up and away from reach. Such harmful materials that can be misused include medications, cigarettes, weapons, plastic bags, remote controls, kitchen or power tools, cleaning products, small appliances, or anything valuable. Consider removing locks from the bathroom in case your loved one locks themselves inside. Password lock electronics and internet access. Wentink says not to keep doors locked to prevent anyone going in and out since this is a dangerous fire hazard. Instead, she says to stick to video monitors and door alarms.
Emergency Contacts
Display emergency numbers in every room and next to all telephones.
Lighting
Be sure lighting around the house is adequate, including entryways, corners, hallways, bathrooms, stairs, and outside landscaping. Lights with sensors may also be useful.
Have A Spare
Hide a spare house key outside of the house in case a person with Alzheimer’s disease locks someone out of the house.
Electronics
Prevent fire hazards by keeping electronics on sturdy surfaces, covering unused electrical outlets, and clearing any extension cords, which also minimizes the likelihood of trips and falls. Consider turning off the garbage disposal.
Water
Set your water heater to less than 120 degrees to prevent burns from scalding water.
Prevent Slips
Install handles and grab bars around the house as safety grips. The handrail for stairways should extend beyond the first and last steps. Webb even suggests a home stairlift. Other helpful safety additions can be bath benches, shower hoses and toilet raisers. To prevent slips, use nonskid adhesives in the tub, toilets, and sinks.
Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed?Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed? Is Your House Alzheimer’s-Proofed?

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Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
Aging

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Discussing home care services with an aging loved one is difficult conversation – but it’s particularly difficult if your parent or relative is resistant to home care. As a leading home care services provider, Visiting Angels is more than familiar with seniors who initially resist a helping hand around the home. Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
When a relative continuously rejects home care services that could improve their quality of life and extend their years living in the comfort of home, there are a number of strategies that you can take with them. Most important of all is to have respectful conversations, carefully listening to and acknowledging your loved one’s points of view.

Strategies for Discussing Home Care Services

When discussing home care services with a resistant parent or relative, there are a number of strategies you can use to help your loved one see the benefits to home care services. Here are some strategies you may wish to use:

  • Plan for Multiple Conversations. It’s unlikely that you’ll change your loved one’s mind about home care services during your first talk. Plan ahead for a discussion that unfolds over several conversations.
  • Approach the Topic Sideways. If your loved one is resistant to home care services, start conversations on a different, but related note. For instance, if your parent or relative has age-related strength issues, ask them if there are any activities that you can give them a helping hand with.
  • Listen Carefully. Understanding where your loved one’s resistance to home care services is coming from is important. They might feel that home care services are a threat to their pride, security, or independence. Understanding their concerns makes it easier for you to seek solutions that overcome these worries.
  • Avoid “Crisis Conversations”. Emotions run high immediately after an accident or close call. Avoid bringing up home care immediately after an age-related incident. Instead, give your loved one time to process the event by waiting a few days.
  • Turn to Family. Family members can be helpful when you discuss home care services with your loved one. Privately voice your concerns with other members of your family and bring them into the fold during your conversations. However, be careful not to appear as if you are “ganging up” on your loved one.
  • Start Small. Even if you feel that your loved one could benefit from a full care plan, it may be best to start small. Having a caregiver stop by for a few hours once a week allows your loved one to take home care services for a kind of test drive. As they come to enjoy the benefits of home care services, they may ask you to expand their care plan.

Choosing a Home Care Services Provider

If your loved one agrees to home care services, it’s important to find a home care services provider who your loved one feels comfortable with. This means choosing the right company and the right caregiver.
While some home care services assign caregivers to clients on their own, others like Visiting Angels take a more flexible approach. To make seniors feel more at ease, the agency you choose should have caregivers meet with seniors and their families before starting care. That way, you can make sure the right fit exists before starting home care services.
Do you have a loved one who could benefit from home care services, but remains resistant to care? Contact your local Visiting Angels to learn more about our services and how we can help you ease your loved one into home care.

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care ServicesHelp! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
 

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Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Caregiving

Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak
When planning a loved one’s care, the best advice to receive is “prepare in advance” long before you need help. By waiting to the last-minute, it could put you and the loved one at risk of stress and potentially, not finding the best care. Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Today, close to 50 million people provide assistance for the aged, chronically ill or physically disabled family members, according to the National Association of Family Caregivers. I recommend hiring a geriatric care manager because they’re trained to assess, plan, coordinate, monitor and provide services in caring and assistance. They can help you find in-home support and housing options, and facilitate the care plan. Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
However, if your loved one is not at a point requiring extensive help, there are other ways to prepare, start with a list of people who can offer encouragement and reinforcement. There are many resources to draw on and here’s a modest list to use to get started.

  • Find a support community — network with other caregivers. You can find support groups at local faith-based communities. The members offer valuable advice since they live with the day-to-day tasks. And connecting with others in the similar situation gives you peace of mind and comfort knowing you can count on their experience.
  • Organize legal documents — select a trusted relative, friend, or professional as the power of attorney and the health care proxy. The individual will make the decisions regarding the health and finances if a loved one becomes incapacitated. Before assigning someone to speak on a person’s behalf, make sure they understand the person’s wishes for the future. Hire an elder law attorney to review or carry out the documents, they make things easier and help those involved gain clarity about desired actions.
  • Keep a list of contacts — keep an address book with contact names and numbers of service providers including bank, lawyer, pharmacist, physician, hairdresser, yardman and others who help. Add neighbors, church connections, friends, and family. Don’t rely on memory for details.
  • Add local resources — religious and faith-based groups are reliable support, but if one doesn’t have close connections there or is not spiritually inclined, then seek out other agencies. Consider local, hands-on, with all-age members such as Meals-on-Wheels and the Area Agency on Aging.
  • Obtain a home safety assessment — have the home assessed for safety to determine whether the loved one will be safe and secure living in it. The plan will recommend immediate, short-term and long-term solutions. It will check for proper lighting and items that obstruct mobility. You’ll gain helpful insights and resources from the professional doing the safety audit.
  • Start discussions with relatives and siblings — have care conversations with the family and make a plan and consider the special interests and natural talents each person possesses that relate with the care requirements. While some are not comfortable bathing and dressing a loved one, perhaps they can cook, clean, and run errands.
    Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
    Local Non-Profits Providing Senior Care HelpOrganizing Care for an Aging Loved One Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
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Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
Conditions & Treatments

Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Caring for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s can be a difficult and heartbreaking process, one that’s extremely hard to navigate. Family caregivers often feel like they are left without a roadmap, a situation that can lead to wrong turns and, poor decisions, and unnecessary suffering on the part of the person with Alzheimer’s. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
With the right information, though, family caregivers can avoid many of the most common mistakes made during late-stage Alzheimer’s care. To help ensure the comfort and well-being of your loved one, you will want to avoid the following five common late-stage Alzheimer’s care mistakes…

Ignoring the Alzheimer’s Sufferer

People with late-stage Alzheimer’s suffer from severe cognitive and physical impairments, with many losing the ability to speak, understand language, recognize their loved ones, and move around on their own. In response, some people make the mistake of treating the afflicted person as if they are not there or as if they no longer have feelings. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
This is a grave mistake that can lead to serious emotional consequences in the person with Alzheimer’s. Ignoring a person with Alzheimer’s can exacerbate existing feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disorientation, causing great emotional distress. By paying attention to the person with Alzheimer’s and tending to their needs, you can relieve those feelings, making them feel loved and appreciated.
Some of the ways that you can brighten the day of someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s include:

  • Making their favorite foods or playing their favorite music, which can provide sensory pleasure and trigger feelings that were once associated with happy memories.
  • Brushing their hair, gently holding their hand, or spending time next to them, which will offer the comfort and security of human contact.
  • Spending time in green spaces, which has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Poor Attention to Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is a crucial part of preventing sickness and infection in those with late-stage Alzheimer’s. Pneumonia is one of the most common complications seniors experience in the diseases later stages, and the risk of pneumonia increases if oral bacteria is not kept in check. It’s therefore important that caregivers take the time to keep teeth, gums, and/or dentures clean. Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care
To reduce the risk posed by oral bacteria, teeth should be brushed after each meal and dentures should be cleaned each night. It’s also important that caregivers be gentle when assisting with oral hygiene, using a soft-bristle toothbrush — or even soft gauze — to avoid scraping or cutting the person’s gums.

Not Changing Their Position

Many Alzheimer’s sufferers lose the ability to move on their own in the disease’s later stages. This leads to hours spent in a single position, causing bedsores, poor circulation, and “joint freezing.” As a result, sufferers experience pain, further loss of mobility, and are put at risk of dangerous infections.
To reduce these risks, caregivers should make sure that those with Alzheimer’s never spend more than two hours in the same position. Gently helping your loved one move to a new position every couple of hours will help them avoid the problems commonly associated with immobility.

Missing Signs of Pain and Discomfort

Late-stage Alzheimer’s robs sufferers of the ability to understand or use language. This makes it incredibly difficult for them to articulate when they are in pain, discomfort, or agitation. This can lead to caregivers missing or ignoring signs that those with Alzheimer’s are in distress and need assistance.
Alzheimer’s professionals believe that missed signs of pain and discomfort lead many of those with late-stage Alzheimer’s to experience unnecessary pain and suffering. With no one noticing their signs of distress, these sufferers fail to receive much-needed treatment that would relieve their pain and ensure they are comfortable through the end stages of their condition.

Lack of Communication with Doctors & Caregivers

When caring for someone with late-stage Alzheimer’s, many families rely on professional support from doctors, nurses, and professional Alzheimer’s care providers. Medical professionals and care workers typically have the information, expertise, and experience needed to handle the challenges of late-stage Alzheimer’s.
Unfortunately, many families have a lack of communication with care professionals. When caring for a loved one with late-stage Alzheimer’s, research shows that most families fail to have detailed conversations with doctors about their loved one’s treatment plan and prognosis. This leaves families with inadequate information when making key decisions about their loved one’s care. One common result of this is that families request invasive or painful medical treatments for their loved ones, even in situations where most professionals would recommend palliative treatment.
To avoid these mistakes, families are advised to have detailed conversations with doctors, medical support staff, and care professionals. These conversations should happen at the start of care and at any major change in treatment. Communication should also be maintained throughout care so that you are always aware of your loved one’s condition and treatment options.
If you require late-stage Alzheimer’s care for a family member, Visiting Angels can provide that care in the comfort of your loved one’s home. To learn more, contact your local Visiting Angels office today.
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-late-end-stage-caregiving.asp
http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20091014/late-dementia-suffering-often-unnecessary
Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

Mistakes to Avoid in Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Care

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How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies
Health Tips

How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

If you help care for an elderly parent or grandparent, it’s important that you’re prepared for medical emergencies. Emergency preparedness can be a literal life-saver, ensuring seniors receive the first aid and medical attention they need when injury, illness, or a health event strikes. How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies
Proper emergency preparedness comes down to three key factors:How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

  • Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes.
  • Having the materials you need for a given emergency.
  • Experience and training in emergency response.

Below, the elderly care experts at Visiting Angels have outlined key steps that family caregivers can take to prepare for elderly medical emergencies. How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

Become First Aid Certified

Learning first aid is something every family caregiver should take seriously. The first few minutes following a health event are often crucial. If a person has suffered a serious event, like a heart attack or stroke, first aid can be the difference between life and death. First aid can also make a big difference when responding to less serious medical emergencies — like broken bones — improving the chance of a quick and full recovery.
Many organizations provide first aid classes, and you should be able to find a class near you. If possible, take the most advanced first aid course available to you, since this will help you prepare for a wider range of emergencies than basic first aid courses. Remember that first aid certification requires renewal every 12 to 36 months, depending on the certification in question.

Build an Emergency Response Kit

Your emergency response preparedness will be compromised unless you have the right materials, equipment, and information on hand. To properly prepare for medical emergencies, you will need a fully stocked home first aid kit in both your home and your car. You can buy pre-packaged first aid kits or build your own using first aid kit guidelines like those offered by the American Red Cross.
When building your first aid kit, you should also include any information and additional materials you may need in case of an emergency. This will include a complete contact sheet for emergency centers, doctors, nurses, relatives, and friends you may need to contact in the event of an emergency. It may also include medications taken by your loved one along with items that you may need in an emergency, such as spare keys, cash, phone chargers, a flashlight, or bottled water.

Run Emergency Drills

One of the best ways to prepare for an emergency is to make a practice run. While some people feel silly running drills in their own home, there’s a reason why emergency response drills are used in workplaces across America: they work. By putting yourself in a real-time simulation of an emergency, you can make sure that you know how to respond when an emergency actually strikes.
If you need assistance caring for a loved one at home, contact your local Visiting Angels today to learn about in-home elderly care options. How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

How to Prepare for Elderly Medical Emergencies

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Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Caregiving

Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

The time has come. You made the decision to put your older parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You didn’t necessarily want to do it, but you know deep down inside it’s best. Why do you feel so guilty and sad about it, though? How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home
The answer lies in how you’re dealing with the decision of putting your older parent in a home. Even though it may be the best decision for your mom or dad, it’s what you’re thinking and believing about yourself that matters. How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

Not Good Enough

Many people who decide to put their older parent in a home feel as though they are just not good enough to care for their mom or dad adequately. They usually don’t have the time or feel they don’t have the skills.
Just because you believe you aren’t good enough doesn’t mean that you’re not. Actually, you probably are giving your mom and dad just the right amount and quality of care needed. You may be too hard on yourself.

Lazy

You may feel as though you are lazy. While you want to care for your older parent, a part of you really doesn’t want the work that comes along with it.
There’s nothing wrong with this because it is a lot of work. Caregiving is demanding – phsysically, emotionally, and mentally.
You are NOT lazy just because you have decided you don’t want to devote all of your spare time to taking care of your parent. You are choosing to protect the relationship you have with your parent, by not ruining it with resentment when you feel as though you’ve had enough after a long day of caregiving.

Selfish

You may feel as though you are selfish. Taking care of your older parent may not fall into your schedule as nicely as you would like it to, so you feel guilty about not doing it. You don’t have to feel this way, and you are NOT selfish.
You are thinking of your older parent when you decide to put him or her in a home. You are trying to provide your mom or dad with a good place for them to live where they will have everything they need. If you were selfish, you would ONLY think of yourself, and wouldn’t care where they lived or how they cared for themselves.
Pat yourself on the back. You’re stepping up and caring for your older parents.

Beliefs

Some people have a belief they MUST care for their aging parents. They believe it makes them a bad person if they don’t do it. This is untrue.
You are not obligated to care for your parents. Sure, it’s a nice thing to do, but finding a safe, healthy home for your parent is also nice.
Not all beliefs people have are warranted. You made up that belief because you felt as though that’s what you should do – it’s not what you need to do. If you can remember that, a lot of the pressure you’re putting on yourself will be relieved.
Are you still feeling bad about putting your older parents in a home? I understand how hard it is for you. That’s why I work as a personal consultant. I help people just like you deal with situations such as this, so they feel better about themselves and their situation in life. Book a session with me now. We can tackle the feelings and thoughts you’re having, so you can feel good about yourself again.
How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

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